Broadway’s Acclaimed ‘Cult of Love’ Play Set for Film Adaptation with Playwright Leslye Headland Directing, Produced by Will Ferrell and Jessica Elbaum

New York, NY – Leslye Headland’s thought-provoking stage production, “Cult of Love,” which recently concluded a significant run on Broadway, is officially slated for a feature film adaptation. The move brings the acclaimed work from the Hayes Theater to the cinematic screen under the continued creative guidance of its original playwright.

Headland is set to helm the adaptation herself, undertaking the crucial roles of both screenwriter and director for the motion picture. This decision underscores a commitment to maintaining the playwright’s original vision as the narrative transitions from the theatrical stage to film.

Producing the upcoming film will be the established team of Will Ferrell and Jessica Elbaum through their company, Gloria Sanchez Productions. The production house is known for its diverse portfolio and previous collaborations that bridge comedic and dramatic elements.

The Broadway Journey of “Cult of Love”

“Cult of Love” captivated audiences during its limited engagement at Broadway’s historic Hayes Theater. Produced by the esteemed Second Stage Theater, the play ran from November 20, 2024, concluding its successful tenure on February 2, 2025. Its presence on the venerable Broadway stage solidified its place as a notable contemporary theatrical work, drawing attention for its themes and Headland’s distinctive voice.

The production at the Hayes Theater, a cherished venue within the Broadway district, provided a specific and intimate setting for the play’s narrative to unfold, allowing theatergoers to engage directly with the characters and text. Second Stage Theater’s commitment to producing new American plays and musicals made it a fitting home for Headland’s latest work, providing the platform that has now paved the way for its cinematic future.

Leslye Headland Takes the Helm

Leslye Headland is a celebrated writer and director across theater, film, and television. Her decision to adapt her own play and direct the film offers a unique continuity in the creative process. This allows the playwright to personally navigate the challenges and opportunities of translating a story conceived for the stage into a visual medium designed for cinema.

As screenwriter, Headland will be tasked with reshaping the dialogue and structure of “Cult of Love” to suit the demands of film, which often relies more heavily on visual storytelling and pacing distinct from live theater. Her subsequent role as director will enable her to directly implement her interpretation of the text and visual style, ensuring a singular artistic vision from page to screen.

Headland’s previous work demonstrates a versatility that bodes well for this adaptation, suggesting an ability to blend character-driven narrative with compelling cinematic technique. Her direct involvement as director following her work as playwright and screenwriter is a significant factor in the project’s potential to resonate with both audiences familiar with the play and newcomers.

Gloria Sanchez Productions: A History of Diverse Projects

The production team at Gloria Sanchez Productions, led by Will Ferrell and Jessica Elbaum, brings considerable experience to the project. The company has cultivated a reputation for backing distinctive voices and narratives across various platforms.

Notably, Gloria Sanchez Productions has a tangible connection to the theatrical world. In 2009, the company received a Tony Award nomination in the category of Best Special Theatrical Event for the production “You’re Welcome America,” which starred Will Ferrell. This specific recognition highlights the company’s past engagement with live performance and its understanding of bringing unique stage concepts to fruition, offering valuable insight as they undertake the “Cult of Love” adaptation.

Furthermore, the partnership between Gloria Sanchez Productions and Leslye Headland is not new. The company previously produced two of Headland’s earlier feature films: “Bachelorette” and “Sleeping with Other People.” These successful collaborations establish a foundation of mutual trust and a proven track record of bringing Headland’s cinematic visions to life, suggesting a strong creative synergy that will likely benefit the “Cult of Love” adaptation.

The Path from Stage to Screen

The adaptation process of transforming a successful stage play into a film is a complex artistic endeavor. While stage plays rely heavily on dialogue and performance within a contained space, film offers a broader canvas for visual expression, location changes, and editing techniques.

With Headland writing the screenplay, the core themes, character dynamics, and pivotal moments from the play are expected to be preserved, albeit potentially re-imagined for the screen. Her role as director will allow her to control the visual language, performances, and overall tone of the film, ensuring a cohesive and personal interpretation of her original work.

The involvement of producers like Ferrell and Elbaum, with their background in both comedy and dramatic projects, coupled with their prior history with Headland, positions the “Cult of Love” film adaptation as a project with significant creative and commercial potential. It represents a notable instance of a playwright shepherding their work through the entire journey from live performance to filmed narrative.

Anticipation for the “Cult of Love” film adaptation is expected to build as casting announcements and production details emerge. The combination of a critically noted play, a playwright-turned-director, and experienced producers with a history of both theatrical engagement and successful film collaborations sets the stage for a compelling cinematic event.